This waltz was inspired by Lovecraft's universe, with particular attention to James Blish's short story 'More Light'. It breaks sequentially from 3/4 into 7/4 and back.
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flute
synthesizer
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new age
harp
emotion
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unusual
clarinet
woodwind
mossdog
Story behind the song
"The Carcosa Waltz" was inspired by a game of Arkham Horror. There's just something about the Lovecraftian universe; it has this compelling grandeur (or perhaps the word is maddening?)....
If you are trying to dance the Waltz from this electronic version, listen for the bells. Aside from the first measure, the triple bell strikes signal the beginning or end of a 7/4 section. The composer's recommendation is that you dance the first 3 measures of the 7/4 measure, pause for 4 beats (or, at one point, 18 beats -- experimentation is recommended for this section) and then start off again when the music returns to 3/4. Of course, dancers who are more experienced than the composer (who is definitely a novice!) may have better ideas.
We're looking for someone to render this physically on harpsichord or strings. If you would be interested, please email Mossdog!
Mossdog would like to thank Rick Phillips (aka flickr-rickr) for use of his photo for this song's icon. Original version: http://www.flickr.com/photos/flickr-rickr/406008941/
Lyrics
The waltz is an instrumental that does not have lyrics. However, Carcosa (the city) possesses its own song, as follows....
Along the shore the cloud waves break,
The twin suns sink behind the lake,
The shadows lengthen
In Carcosa.
Strange is the night where black stars rise,
And strange moons circle through the skies,
But stranger still is
Lost Carcosa.
Songs that the Hyades shall sing,
Where flap the tatters of the King,
Must die unheard in
Dim Carcosa.
Song of my soul, my voice is dead,
Die thou, unsung, as tears unshed
Shall dry and die in
Lost Carcosa.
—"Cassilda's Song" from The King in Yellow, Act 1, Scene 2 (by Robert W. Chambers)